26 Sep 2012

Council to take harder line on gaming machines

11:23 am on 26 September 2012

Councillors in Auckland have signalled they intend to take the hardest line they can to cut gaming machine numbers.

Before amalgamation, individual councils adopted their own policy on the machines and their venues, with some capping the number of machines in the area or allowing machines from closed areas to be relocated.

The Auckland Council's deputy mayor, Penny Hulse, says the social and community development forum on Tuesday voted to not allow new pokie venues or machines to be introduced when old ones close or are removed.

Ms Hulse says the policy is aimed at reducing harm caused by pokie gambling and is in line with the position taken by the former Waitakere and Manukau councils.

Consultation, including with gaming trusts and operators, will take place before a final decision is taken by Auckland Council.